Classic: Southern Divide (SMS)
Countries Visited: Bolivia, Chile, Peru
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included: 18 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Explore the Sacred Valley, marvel at the views from the train to Machu Picchu, witness traditional life on Lake Titicaca, encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, cross the Uyuni Salt Flats by 4x4
Description
For those looking to experience the history, culture and wilderness of South America, this three-week adventure through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile is packed full of some of the continent's most iconic and popular highlights. Explore the Sacred Valley and uncover Incan history high in the Andes at legendary Machu Picchu. Explore incredible landscapes at Uyuni Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert, and encounter vibrant culture at Lake Titicaca. Because we have years of experience and established operational offices in the region, we'll take care of the hassles so that you can focus on the highlights. Get off the beaten track and embrace the best of this incredible region.
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included: 18 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Explore the Sacred Valley, marvel at the views from the train to Machu Picchu, witness traditional life on Lake Titicaca, encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, cross the Uyuni Salt Flats by 4x4
Description
For those looking to experience the history, culture and wilderness of South America, this three-week adventure through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile is packed full of some of the continent's most iconic and popular highlights. Explore the Sacred Valley and uncover Incan history high in the Andes at legendary Machu Picchu. Explore incredible landscapes at Uyuni Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert, and encounter vibrant culture at Lake Titicaca. Because we have years of experience and established operational offices in the region, we'll take care of the hassles so that you can focus on the highlights. Get off the beaten track and embrace the best of this incredible region.
Call 1 (609) 345-2129 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12967567
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Lima | Day 1 Lima There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. Additional Notes: Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting |
Day 2 | Cusco | Day 2 Lima/Cusco (1B) Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude. Transport: Plane (1.00-1.50 hours) |
Day 3 | Cusco | Day 3 Cusco (1B) Spend a full day enjoying optional activities in the area. |
Day 4 | Ollantaytambo | Day 4 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L) Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported womens weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing used in the Ccaccaccollo community. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only), and a small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community. Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Take a guided tour of the large ruin site adjacent to the town. Ollantaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu. Included Activities: Ccaccaccollo Community and Womens Weaving Co-op visit Pisac Ruins Guided Tour Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (95km) |
Day 5 | Aguas Calientes | Day 5 Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes (1B) Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route. Additional Notes: Those who have pre-purchased the "1-day Inca Trail" hiking option will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. Transport: Train (1.50 hour(s), 43km) |
Day 6 | Cusco | Day 6 Aguas Calientes/Cusco (1B) Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins followed by free time to explore. When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas to meet up with the rest of the group and take a train back to Cusco. Included Activities: Machu Picchu Guided Tour Transport: Local bus (0.50 hour(s)) Train (1.50-2.00 hours, 118km) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s)) |
Day 7 | Cusco | Day 7 Cusco (1B) Use a free day to explore more of Cusco or relax. |
Day 8 | Puno | Day 8 Cusco/Puno (1B) Travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from both AmantanI and Taquile Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route. Transport: Local bus (7.50 hour(s), 389km) |
Day 9 | Puno | Day 9 Puno (1B) Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site. Included Activities: Day Trip to Lake Titicaca |
Day 10 | La Paz | Day 10 Puno/La Paz (1B) Enjoy the full-day drive around the lake and through the altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz is at nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Peru - Bolivia) Transport: Local bus (2.50 hour(s)) Local bus (3.00 hour(s)) |
Day 11 | La Paz | Day 11 La Paz (1B) Explore the city's many fine museums or its historic structures, like the Iglesia de San Francisco. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de HechicerIa (Witches' Market). With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand. |
Day 12 | Sucre | Day 12 La Paz/Sucre (1B) Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints. Transport: Plane (2.25 hour(s)) |
Day 13 | Sucre | Day 13 Sucre (1B) Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking. |
Day 14 | Potosi | Day 14 Sucre/Potosi (1B) Travel by bus to Potosi and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city. Transport: Local bus (4.00 hour(s), 185km) |
Day 15 | Uyuni | Day 15 Potosi/Uyuni (1B) Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Additional Notes: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water. Transport: Local bus (7.00 hour(s), 230km) |
Day 16 | Salar de Uyuni | Day 16 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni (1B, 1D) Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Stay in simple hotels upgraded with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Additional Notes: We offer unique accommodation in the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each have a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site. Included Activities: Salt Flats Excursion |
Day 17 | Salar de Uyuni | Day 17 Salar de Uyuni (1B, 1L, 1D) Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert. Included Activities: Salt Flats Excursion |
Day 18 | San Pedro de Atacama | Day 18 Salar de Uyuni/San Pedro de Atacama (1B, 1L) From the high Bolivian altiplano descend almost 2000m to the edge of the Atacama Desert, arriving at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, just across the Chilean border. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Bolivia - Chile) Transport: 4x4 (5.00 hour(s)) Local bus (5.50-6.00 hours) |
Day 19 | San Pedro de Atacama | Day 19 San Pedro de Atacama Enjoy an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon to learn about and appreciate the beautiful uniqueness of the landscape. There are plenty of optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, and horseback riding. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs. Included Activities: Valley of the Moon Visit |
Day 20 | Santiago | Day 20 San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago From the nearby city of Calama, fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre. Explore the city's many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafEs, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area. Transport: Local van (3.00 hour(s)) Plane (5.00 hour(s)) |
Day 21 | Santiago | Day 21 Santiago (1B) Depart at any time. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.